ALBANY, N.Y. (December 10, 2017) – Joachim Frank, PhD, a former research scientist at the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center, received the 2017 Nobel Prize in chemistry today in Stockholm, Sweden, for work he largely did while at the Wadsworth Center. Dr. Frank was presented with his diploma and medal by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, with the Royal Family in attendance.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Dr. Frank's work during his time at Wadsworth has resulted in one of the world's most distinguished awards, the Nobel Prize. His work promises to revolutionize science and medicine in unforeseen ways. I'd like to congratulate him for his achievements and express my sincere appreciation for the work he has done."

Jill Taylor, PhD, Director of Wadsworth Center said, "We are extremely proud to have a Nobel Prize winner among the scientists who have worked here at Wadsworth. Dr. Frank's contributions to science will endure for generations to come and no doubt, lead to many groundbreaking discoveries that will transform life as we know it. I commend him for his accomplishments and for being a Nobel Laureate."

The pioneering cryo-electron microscopy research developed by Dr. Joachim Frank during his tenure at Wadsworth Center has enabled scientists across the globe to view highly precise, three-dimensional images of biomolecules, such as the Zika Virus, bacteria and other cellular structures. Thanks to Dr. Frank's influential work, researchers are now able to precisely target pharmaceuticals at the atomic level, leading to new treatments for life-threatening diseases and building the foundation for further scientific progress.